The word **枯燥** is a compound formed by combining two characters with closely related meanings to create a vivid metaphorical sense. **枯** (kū) primarily means "withered," "dried up," or "parched," as in a dead tree or plant, while **燥** (zào) means "dry," "arid," or "lacking moisture." When paired together, their literal meanings of dryness and desiccation are extended figuratively to describe something abstract—like life, speech, or work—that is unbearably dry, monotonous, dull, and devoid of interest or inspiration. Thus, the term leverages the tangible sensory experience of extreme dryness to convey the intangible feeling of mental or spiritual barrenness.